Edwin S. Porter, DDS
Modern Dentistry Trends
Laser DentistryHow Does Laser Dentistry Work? Dental lasers emit light that deliver quick pulses of heat energy to the treatment area. Various wavelengths are used depending on the type of tissue being treated. Surgical lasers are more accurate than traditional dental treatments and allow the dentist to conserve as much bone and tooth as possible. Laser Cavity Detection A low-powered laser can be used to locate tiny pits within tooth enamel that can become cavities. The laser can detect decay early. Once located, the tiny spots on the tooth can be covered with a clear sealant in order to prevent cavities. Lasers for the Removal of Decay and Damaged Gums Lasers can also eliminate the need for the dental drill and reduce patients' fears about treatment. Laser tools can be used to vaporize decay and treatment is virtually painless, eliminating the need for anesthesia. Other Uses for Laser Dentistry
--DASH Now used at Our Office!-- Dr. Porter is now offering a more cost-effective in-office Whitening procedure called DASH. Dash features a unique 30 percent hydrogen peroxide whitening gel applied directly from a syringe onto your teeth. Dash in-office whitening includes a special oral gel - called Relief ACP - containing amorphous calcium phosphate, potassium nitrate and fluoride, ingredients proven to be beneficial to teeth and for relieving sensitivity. The process is also more comfortable for our patients because there is no light involved for the activation of the gel. You'll walk out of the office like a rock star and will be able to keep up that white smile with our take home trays and gel that you will receive. DiagnodentOne of the most important things we can do for our patients is to identify and fill cavities. Since even the smallest spot of decay can threaten the integrity of the entire tooth, finding and filling cavities is the key to preventing further problems of all kinds. Cavities often hide along fissure lines, or inside biting or occlusal surfaces. For all these reasons, we've invested in Diagnodent: a revolutionary new, thorough means of detecting cavities, so your exam can be fast, easy, and nearly imperceptible. Diagnodent technology uses a simple laser diode to inspect youreach of your teeth, comparing reflection wavelength against a known healthy baseline wavelength to uncover decay. How? First, we aim the laser onto one of your healthy enamel tooth surfaces to give us a benchmark reading. Then, we continue on around your mouth, shining the laser into all suspect areas. As the laser pulses into grooves, fissures and cracks, it reflects fluorescent light of a specific wavelength. This light is measured by receptors, converted to an acoustic signal, evaluated electronically to reveal a value between one and 100, then displayed on a screen. Anytime the laser encounters a surface that reads differently than the healthy baseline value, it stimulates emission of fluorescent light of a different wavelength. A reading of 10-20 indicates some enamel softening, pointing to a potential problem area that merits close monitoring. A reading of 21-100 indicates a definite area of decay requiring a filling. Using Diagnodent technology allows us to catch more areas of decay sooner and with more precision. Not only can it help prevent the spread of decay, but catching decay early means fillings required are simpler and shallower, preserving more of the tooth. This allows us to use minimally invasive filling procedures. Finally, we're able to objectively monitor any suspicious areas without repeated x-rays, harm to tissues, or need for protective measures. |

